Quick Facts
Location: Escalante, Utah
Coordinates: 37.71038055151192, -111.35752483663761
Length: 7.5 Miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 800’
Dog Friendly: Yes
Introduction:
If you’re hunting for something totally bizarre and totally unforgettable, the Cosmic Ashtray is it. Located deep in the slickrock backcountry outside Escalante, Utah, this giant orange crater looks like something straight out of a Martian sci-fi movie. It’s officially called the “Cosmic Ashtray,” but some folks know it as the Volcano. Either way, you’re hiking into one of the weirdest, coolest natural formations in the Southwest.
How to Get There:
Starting from Escalante, you’ll head east on Highway 12 until you reach Spencer Flat Road. From there, you’ll drive 6 miles down the dusty track until you reach the start of the Volcano Trail. The road is graded dirt, but it can get rough fast after rain, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely a good idea. Once you park and start hiking, there’s limited cairns and trail markers. This is raw, old-school desert hiking. You’ll want a GPS or a good offline map because getting turned around out here is way too easy.
Parking Information:
Parking at the trailhead is pretty much a wide spot on the side of the dirt road. No designated lot, no fees, no amenities. You just pull off safely, make sure you’re not blocking anything, and gear up. Always lock up your vehicle and stash valuables out of sight, just to be smart. And seriously, double-check that weather, desert roads turn into sticky messes after rainstorms.
Description of the Landscape:
The hike to the Cosmic Ashtray feels like walking across a sea of frozen, melted caramel. The slickrock stretches out in every direction, rolling and twisting like giant petrified waves. Tiny shrubs cling to life in cracks and dips, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a jackrabbit darting across the flats. After a few miles, you’ll stumble across the Ashtray itself, a massive, perfectly round pit carved deep into the rock. In the center, a giant alien head-shaped rock formation. It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s absolutely worth the sweat.
Trail Difficulty and Length:
The hike is about 7.5 miles round trip, depending on your starting point. It’s not super technical, but it’s no joke either. The entire trail rolls over uneven slickrock, which means no real trail to follow. You’ll be navigating by landmarks, instinct, and small perfectly placed cairns. Add in the brutal desert sun, no shade, and lots of up-and-down scrambling, and you’ve got a hike that’s a solid moderate to hard, especially if you’re not used to this kind of terrain. Good shoes, lots of water, and a head full of common sense are mandatory out here.
Is It Dog Friendly?
You can absolutely bring your dog along for this adventure, but be ready to take extra precautions. There’s zero natural water along the trail, and the rock heats up like a frying pan. Pack more water than you think your pup will need, keep a close eye on their paws, and maybe even plan a super early start to beat the heat. And like always, clean up after your four-legged buddy to keep the desert wild and wonderful for everyone.
Local Rules and Regulations:
The Cosmic Ashtray sits on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. That means basic Leave No Trace rules apply: pack out your trash, don’t carve your name into the rocks, and stay respectful of the fragile desert environment. No permits are currently needed to hike here, but the rules can change, so it’s smart to check with the Escalante Interagency Visitor Center before you head out. Also, skip this hike if rain is even remotely in the forecast. Flash floods aren’t a big risk here, but getting stuck on muddy back roads definitely is.
Other Nearby Trails:
If you’ve still got some gas in the tank after hiking the Volcano Trail, you’re in a prime spot for more exploring. Peek around in Zebra Slot Canyon for tight, colorful passageways, or take on the longer but equally beautiful hike to Lower Calf Creek Falls. Both trails show off that iconic Grand Staircase beauty and can easily fill up a day or two of adventuring.
Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:
When it’s time to give your legs a break, Escalante has some laid-back treasures to offer. The Escalante Petrified Forest State Park is just outside town and has an easy loop trail through ancient fossilized wood. Or you can hit the scenic drives like Hell’s Backbone Road for jaw-dropping views without having to lace up your boots.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring and fall are hands-down the best seasons to tackle the Cosmic Ashtray. March through May brings cooler temps and a burst of desert wildflowers, while late September through November offers crisp mornings and clear skies. Summers get brutally hot and turn the slickrock into a heat magnet, and winters, while less brutal, can bring freezing nights and tricky conditions. If you want that perfect light on the Ashtray’s glowing sandpit, aim for late afternoon when the sun’s getting low but the shadows haven’t swallowed the crater yet.
For those who want to capture these breathtaking views and bring a piece of nature home, Unicorn Adventure offers high-quality nature photography prints. Check out their collection and find the perfect image to remind you of your hiking experience!
